It would be safe to say the new 12-hour bus lanes which have come into effect in west and east Belfast have not been greeted with universal joy by local commuters.

No wonder, when you stand the chance of a 90 quid fine for straying into one. Still, those kindly Department of Infrastructure people have pointed out that, for the most recently introduced lane in east Belfast, there will now be a 'one-strike warning' period of two weeks.

In other words, locals have a fortnight to get used to the new system. Which will be a help. Except for anybody who's just headed off on a two-week holiday...